Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon white peppercorns (you may substitute black)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 5 green cardamom pods
  • 1 pound 16- to 20-count (extra large) shrimp, peeled and deveined but tail left on
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 2 ripe but firm peaches, diced medium
  • 1 pound spinach, washed

Method

  • Build a fire in your grill; when the coals are covered with gray ash and the temperature is medium-hot (you can hold your hand 5 inches above the coals for 3 to 4 seconds) you are ready to cook.
  • (For a gas grill, turn all burners to high, lower cover and heat for 15 minutes, then turn burners to medium-high.)
  • Meanwhile, put the peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds and cardamom pods in a small saute pan and toast over medium heat, shaking frequently to avoid burning, until they begin to darken slightly and you can smell them, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, then grind fine in a spice mill or mortar.
  • Sprinkle shrimp generously with salt and pepper, then rub all over with the spice mixture, pressing gently to be sure it adheres.
  • Set shrimp aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  • Add the ginger and cook, stirring frequently, 1 minute.
  • Add the vinegar, orange juice, curry powder and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
  • Put the peaches and spinach in a medium bowl.
  • Pour hot dressing over them, wilting the spinach.
  • Place the shrimp on the grill and cook until just opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes a side.
  • (To check for doneness, cut into one shrimp and peek inside.)
  • Divide the spinach-peach mixture among four plates and top each with 1/4 of the shrimp.